Endpoint status notification system

Abstract

The endpoint status notification system includes an address book of network user's names and their associated endpoints. A user selects a personal list of contacts from the address book and receives an instant message alert upon every occurrence of a reportable event for one of the contacts on the list. Alerts are informational status messages pertaining to the contact and are delivered unbeknownst to the contact. Preferably, alerts are popup windows displayed for a preset amount of time, however audible alerts are available in lieu of or in combination with the popups. Reportable events are selected by the user for each of the contacts on the list and may differ from contact to contact. Simultaneous with the alert, the user may be provided a call-control option related to the reportable event and pertaining to the contact. If selected, the call-control option causes a telecommunication function to immediately occur.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to endpoint status and, in particular, to a status notification system of a group of communications endpoints. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the 1970s, very basic messaging capabilities to customer-owned Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems was introduced. For instance, a switchboard attendant delivered a signal to a telephone, e.g., in a hotel room, causing a lamp mounted on the telephone to illuminate. This technique was used to inform the guest that there was a message waiting or to remind the guest that are unavailable for incoming calls by placing their telephone in a Do-Not-Disturb (DND) mode. The status information provided was limited to what could be conveyed with a flashing light initiated by the system's attendant and only provided the status of the user and not the status of others. [0003] With the introduction of Instant Messaging (“IM”) technologies in the late 1990's, computer users were able t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

With the introduction of Instant Messaging (“IM”) technologies in the late 1990's, computer users were able to monitor the “on / off” status of other users, typically users within a particular “buddy list.” Initially, the devices serviced by IM were limited to fixed computers.

However, if a user's device is inactive at the end of the time interval, no messages are sent to indicate the non-active status.

Images